Friday, July 31, 2009

Elijah prayed, "Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again" (1 Kings 18:37).What's your passion? Is it that the people of this world may know that the Lord is God? Our prayers reveal our passion. Elijah was not calling on God so that the people would know who he (Elijah) was. He was calling on God so that the people would know who God was!

There's a world out there full of people who are going to hell. They need to know the one and only true God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They need to know that Jesus suffered and died for their sins, paid their debt in full, and rose again. We don't need to call on God for a miracle. We just need to tell people the good news that Christ died for our sins, paid our debt in full, and rose again. This is the power of God unto salvation.

This week, a lady and her husband called to thank me for telling them the good news over 40 years ago. They got saved then and have served the Lord ever since. THAT is my passion! Before they got saved, these people had been attending a church that did not tell them the good news, but told them to do the best they could and they would go to heaven.O, dear people, make it your passion to help others know God. Ask for your prayers to be answered so that others will know that the Lord is God and so that their hearts will be turned toward Him. Doesn't that make sense?

Prayer: Father, give us a passion to tell others about You. People need to know the truth that Jesus died for them. We want them to go to heaven instead of hell. Help us demonstrate to them that You are God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Quote for the Day: "Our passions are the winds that propel our vessel." —Author UnknownWhat is your Passion in Life?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

When she went before the judge in Cincinnati he asked her,'What did you steal?'She replied, 'A can of peaches.'

The judge then asked her why she had stolen the can of peaches and she replied that she was hungry.The judge then asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied 6.

The judge then said, 'I will then give you 6 days in jail.'

Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment, thewoman's husband spoke up and asked the judge if he could say something. The judge said, 'What is it?'The husband said, 'She also stole a can of peas.'

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Modern liberals may ridicule Bible-believing Christians as bibliolaters, but the fact is that it is not possible to place the Bible on too high a pedestal. "Thy testimonies are wonderful," the psalmist says, for "his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6), whose testimonies they are.

Consider just how wonderful are the Scriptures. They were written in the heart of God even before the creation. "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). Then, "at sundry times and in divers manners," this eternal Word of God was conveyed to men, as God "spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1). Finally, it was complete, and the last of the prophets concluded it with an all-embracing warning: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life" (Revelation 22:18-19). Crit ics who tamper with the words of the Bible are on dangerous ground, the psalmist said: "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever" (Psalm 119:160). Jesus said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

Eternal in the past; inviolable in the present; forever in the future! All we shall ever need for our guidance is to be found in God's wonderful testimonies: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. . . . That the man of God may be perfect" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is not possible to have too high a view of Scripture, "for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name" (Psalm 138:2). HMM

Quit often I am asked, What about follow up? Most of those who ask this never win anyone to follow-up. They just want to catch me in a trap. The truth is I want to and try to follow up or disciple those I lead to Christ. As a pastor our record of discipling was very high. It is quite a task to follow up those you lead to Christ on planes, in other towns etc. Remember the D.rs Nurse who got saved a couple of weeks ago? Listen to what has happened since then

Today I had to see this same Dr. This nurse came in to prepare me for the Drs visit. I would give anything if you could have been there. She was radiating with the joy of the Lord. I rejoiced with her and told her I had prayed for her everyday since she accepted Christ. She could hardly believe someone had prayed for her every day. Then she said, "That is why it all happened." She began to tell me all the changes that had been taking place in her life. This really topped the cake. She had been heavily in debt and began to tell how she has been able to pay one debt after another. Then she looked at me and said, "You did it." Dear people, please don't be carnal and think I am taking any credit. God did it but she could hardly believe I had prayed for her every day and I HAD. Do you know what? I think praying for her is a great follow up. It was working wonders in her life. Then she told about one of the receptionists for this Dr. is a Christian, heard about her getting saved and was discipling her. She got her a Bible and she was reading it. Remember Phil 1:6, "Being confident, that He which began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." That is a great promise for every soul winner especially when you cannot disciple a person. God will do it.

Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes with no shepherd. We should be moved too and move toward them to get the gospel to them.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

I. THE SECRETS ABOUT TALENT [v. 1-4]1. All Talents are God-given [v. 1]

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

2. All Talents are to be used for God's Glory [v. 1-2]

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

3. All Talent is to be God-directed [v. 3-4]

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

II. THE SECRETS ABOUT GIVING [v. 5-8ff.]1. Some Projects have a Cut-off Point [v. 5]

2. God Loves a Generous Spirit [v. 6-7]

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.2 Chr. 6:7-8 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

3. God's Work must be done God's Way [v. 8ff]

1 Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

III. THE SECRETS ABOUT THE TABERNACLE [v. 8-38]1. The Linen Curtains [v. 8-13]

"This was the covering of all the Tabernacle. it was the covering that went on the articles of furniture first when they went out on the wilderness march. It was the fence outside. This fine... linen speaks of the righteousness of Christ. It speaks of His character and His work. It speaks of the righteousness that He provides for us so that we might be clothed to stand in God's presence. The important thing to notice is that Christ is adequate to meet our needs. He is able to save us. He is able to deliver us. He is able to keep us." - J. Vernon McGee

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

To answer the title question: "Not necessarily." Only the Lord truly knows what is in each heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

We often think we know what is on people's minds or in peoples hearts but even if we have lived with them for decades, as married couples can tell you, we can be wrong. Granted our chances should be higher with those we've known longer but this does not guarantee success. Matthew 16 gives us solid examples of the Lord's ability and our inability in knowing the minds of others, yea, we know not even our own heart sometimes. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Let us first be reminded of:

I. THE PERFECTION OF CHRIST [v. 15-21]1. The Perfection of His Person [v. 15-20]

2. The Perfection of His Purpose [v. 21, Lk. 19:10]

3. The Perfection of his Power [v. 21b] "and be raised again the third day."

John 10:17-8 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

II. THE PERCEPTION OF CHRIST [v. 16-23]We are so imperfect that we can go from spiritual to carnal in 60 seconds. We can go from thinking like the Father wants, to thinking like the Devil wants, to thinking like men without ever realizing we have changed our thinking. Fortunately for us, Christ's perception is also perfect.

1. He knows when we are thinking Godly thoughts [v. 16-17]

2. He knows when we are thinking Devilish thoughts [v.23a]

James 3:13-15 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

3. He knows when we are thinking Carnal thoughts [v. 23b]

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Did Peter know? Or did Pete think he was on an even keel the whole time? Did the other disciples know? We must be careful about what we perceive to be wickedness in someone else's motives lest our own thoughts be exposed as devilish. Fortunately for us we, as Christians, have:III. THE PROTECTION OF CHRISTThis protection is provided for us in 3 rules:

Saturday, July 25, 2009

A: A quickly formed canyon in England provides clues to how the Grand Canyon and other geological features formed recently—and not over millions of years.

British people love to talk about the weather. In particular, we love to moan about the weather if it is not to our liking—especially if it involves lots of rain. Pre-war northern comedian Stanley Holloway used to recite a poem that talked about the Flood starting in Lancashire.

The ’ouses were soon under water, And folks to the roof ’ad to climb.They said ’twas the rottenest summer That Bury ’ad ’ad for some time.

Of course, folks from County Durham do not consider that Lancashire is far enough north to be considered as the North. But now they have their own memorial to the Flood—and a much more convincing piece of evidence it turns out to be.

On Friday, July 17, the rain had been falling hard, intermittently, for several hours. Similar conditions over a number of days had made the ground soak up water like a sponge. A Google Maps picture (retrieved on July 24, 2009, but showing an aerial photo taken well before July 17) reveals a farm field to the west of the River Wear. The village of Shincliffe is just to the east of the river—off the picture.

In the second picture, the dotted line reveals the approximate position of the new “canyon.” An amateur photograph from the website ukweatherworld.co.uk shows a close-up view of how the floodwaters have washed away soil, leaving a canyon that is 100 feet (30.5 meters) across, 15 feet (4.6 meters) deep, and 200 yards (182.9 meters) long.

Friday, July 24, 2009

God is not against the physical aspect of marriage... after all He designed it! For years many have taught there is something wicked about the physicality of marriage but these individuals were not teaching what the Bible says and what God had made plain.

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

It's when you take "sex" out of marriage that God disapproves. Premarital or extramarital sex is wrong. It will hurt [psychologically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and possibly physically] those who participate in it. When God says "no" to something it is to provide something better for us and to protect us from harm. And God says no to sex outside of marriage. What does Tim Tebow say, the well-known Florida quarterback and Heisman trophy winner. Well, his answer stunned the reporters:

What's the deal? In many areas of the country are farms with rich soil. Great for farming. Take a handful of that soil and go in the farmers house and throw it on the farmer's wife's nice clean table, or couch, or even a nice clean carpet and it becomes dirt! Why? It has been taken out of where it belongs and is out of place. The fact that it is out of place makes it wrong. God designed the physical aspect of marriage to be shared between a husband and a wife within the bonds of marriage. Take it out of its proper place and it is wrong... it becomes dirty.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

"And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do." (Exodus 4:15)

These words of God, spoken to Moses concerning the mission he and his brother Aaron were to undertake at Pharaoh's palace, are one of numerous examples in Scripture where the King James translation uses several different forms of the second-person pronoun. In this one verse, we see the words "thou," "thy," "you," and "ye," all fulfilling this function. Most modern translations would translate this sentence: "You shall speak to him . . . and I will be with your mouth . . . and will teach you what you shall do." Why would the King James translators use four different forms of the pronoun when only "you" and "your" are used in modern versions?

The fact is that the Elizabethan-age English was able to make much finer distinctions than modern English. That is, "thou," "thee," "thy," and "thine" were used for the second person singular, where as "ye," "you," "your," and "yours" were the corresponding words for the plural. Different words also were used for subject, object, and possessive modifier, as is still true for first and third-person pronouns.

In our text, God was telling Moses that he (Moses) was to speak to Aaron, and that He (God) would then teach both of them, not just Moses, what they were to do. This distinction is clear in the King James English, but not in modern English. This is one of numerous examples where such fine points in the King James language are lost in modern translations. In the Lord's Prayer, for example, "yours is the kingdom" could suggest that many will possess the kingdom, where "thine is the kingdom" clearly recognizes one God alone. Clear words are important for clear meanings, and Jesus said, "My words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). HMM

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Psalm 131 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Like all of us there were times the psalmist no longer felt the presence of the Lord. It wasn't that God was no longer there but that His presence, comfort, guidance, etc. was no longer felt. The very real probability here is that this is one of the times of David's sin. All believer's sin since we all still have our old Adamic nature, our sin nature, the old man- Paul calls it. When we let that nature rule, especially for an extended period of time we break fellowship with God (NOT the relationship). We lost the joy of our salvation (but NOT our salvation-see Ps. 51, I Jn. 1, Heb. 12, etc.).

David realized (v.3) if this chastening from the Lord continued it could end in premature death (a truth Paul confirms in I Cor. 11:30 as it is in other Scriptures) and asked God to help him see where he had gone wrong.

The Psalm ends with praise to God for His mercy, His salvation and His grace which David says he will rejoice in and sing about. When was the last time we sang praises to God for His goodness to us?

Monday, July 20, 2009

I Corinthians 1:1-2 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"Answering God's Call, Part 2

Last week [check the firstlight archives link given below], we saw from I Corinthians 1:1-2 that there is always great blessing when you answer God's call. We saw God's call in salvation ("saints"), and this morning we will look at a second way that God calls.

There is great blessing when you answer God's call in service. Paul had confidence in his ministry because God had called him "to be an apostle . . . through the will of God." God called Paul-it was God's idea-and Paul answered that call. When contention arose from some folks about Paul and Apollos, Paul did not have to wonder about his calling.

I remember my first summer as a counselor at the Bill Rice Ranch. I was 18 years old, and that summer I had some campers that were older than me. Some of my campers smugly asked me, "How old are you?" (They did not care a lick about my birthday; they were looking for an excuse to be a rebel.) I politely told them it was none of their business! That may sound like a cop-out, but it was the honest truth! My authority in the cabin that week was not based on my age, intellect, or personality. My authority was delegated to me by the Bill Rice Ranch.

In your work today, if you have answered God's call for whatever it is that He wants you to do, you can have the confidence to know that God called and you answered. And there is great blessing when you answer God's call. If God called you, you have an unlimited resource of wisdom, power, comfort, and peace because God is One Who called you!

When you consider men in the Bible like Moses and Jeremiah, or a great preacher of yesteryear like Moody or Sunday, or a preacher you admire today, at least one thing is true: they were not called because they were gifted; they were gifted because they were called! When there is great willingness by you and great enabling by God, there is great blessing in answering God's call.

1-2 To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips, and with a double heart do they speak.

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David was not referring to some attack from the outside eliminating the godly, but rather that the godly were ceasing to be godly from the inside. They were becoming corrupt. Paul would say to them, "Are ye not carnal?" That is, fleshly, acting like the lost man?

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3-5 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

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The LORD will not allow this behavior to go on unpunished forever. He takes note of it and He will repay. He will also take up the cause of the innocent. Perhaps not in or timing or in the way we expect. John the Baptist was taken to Heaven. His safety was certain.

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6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

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God's Words are perfect. His Word endures and shall endure, in fact, they are forever settled in Heaven.

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8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

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Think of Germany in the 1930s to the mid 1940s, think of the Biblical day of the Judges when every man did that which was right in his own eyes, think of America today. If not for God and His Word I would fear for my country like never before... may we pray like never before.

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Consider this verse from Hosea 13:11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily .

Ain't it funny? The things people say you can know that you can't know (peoples motives=hate crimes bills, hook in the back). The things people say you can't know that you can know --- things like there is a God, that you are saved, that the Bible is true. Jesus said knowing the truth about Him will set you free... free from fear, free from sin, free from Satan--- free indeed! It's all tied in with knowing God.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

I. KNOWING GOD PERSONALLY CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE1. We can Know of God Via Creation [Rm. 1:18-22]

Many say they know God but go against His Word. The song "We Are The World" contains these lyrics:

We are all part of gods great big familyAnd the truth, you know, love is all we needWe are the world, we are the childrenWe are the ones who make a brighter daySo lets start givingThere's a choice were makingWere saving our own livesIts true well make a better dayJust you and meSend them your heartSo they'll know that someone caresAnd their lives will be stronger and freeAs God has shown us by turning stones to bread

When did God turn stones to bread? Satan tempted Jesus to do that in Mt. 4 & Lk. 4 but Jesus refused! You can know about God from the Bible... not from some pop song.

3. We can Know God Via the Lord Jesus Christ [Jn. 17:1-3]

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

A: Many people in modern society label themselves as skeptics. They publish magazines, participate in various organizations, raise funds to support their causes, and lobby the public through roadside signs, podcasts, and advertisements on buses.

Though there are several organizations to which we could refer, we will focus our attention on the Skeptics Society headed by Dr. Michael Shermer for sake of discussing the relevant points of agreement and disagreement. By explaining the positions given by this organization, you can easily apply them to others who share the same basic views. As Christians, we should have a biblically founded skepticism of the claims made by “skeptics” (Proverbs 18:17).

Skepticism is a humanistic philosophy. Humanists consider man to be the measure of all things. That is, the human mind is considered to be the ultimate standard by which all claims are judged. Humanism is a religious system, the deity of the worldview being man himself. Though the humanists would generally reject the label of religious, they certainly hold their views with zeal and conviction.

Another important element of the humanist religion is naturalism (or, materialism). This belief blindly asserts that nothing beyond nature exists; the physical universe is all that there is. Anything that is supernatural is excluded from this belief system. We will explain these two ideas as we look at the beliefs of skeptical humanists and their manifesto.

On science and scientists: What do Americans think of science? What do they think of scientists? What do scientists think of science? A Pew Research Center study suggests answers. Read more.

Speciation flies by: Thanks to a difference in a single gene, one bird species is splitting into two. Does this mechanism illustrate how evolution works, or is it compatible with the Genesis model of created kinds? Read more.

Friday, July 17, 2009

True Discipleship

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

One may come to a mental acceptance of certain facts about God and deceive himself into thinking he believes on Christ, but the genuineness of that faith needs to be tested before it is judged as real. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2:19-20). Works, of course, do not save one's soul, but the faith that does save is a faith that produces good works.An earlier group of listeners had also "believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them literally, 'did not believe on them', because he knew all men" (John 2:23-24). It is essential that we believe on Him, but even more essential that He believe on us!

The test is simple! If we continue in His Word, then we are real disciples. Our dedication to Christ is measured by our obedience to His Word. If we question His Word, or resent His Word, or try to avoid obeying His Word, by "interpreting" some preferred meaning of our own into His Word, then we urgently need to examine the genuineness of our belief in Christ.If we are His disciples and do continue in His Word, then He makes us a wonderful promise: "Ye shall know the truth." Literally, this is "come to know the truth." As true disciples (that is, "learners"), we have His assurance that our continuing studies in His Word will yield an ever-increasing comprehension of God's created and revealed "truth," with ever-growing freedom to understand and obey the perfect will of God. HMM

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The email that was forwarded to me said, "The following 15 Police Comments were supposedly taken off of actual police car videos around the country." [I don't even know what that means. I don't know if they really are legit but they are somewhat humorous so here goes...]

#15. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch out after you wear them awhile."

#14. "Take your hands off the car, and I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."

#13. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired."

#12. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? In case you didn't know, that is the average speed of a 9 mm bullet fired from my gun."

#11. "So you don't know how fast you were going. I guess that means I can write anything I want on the ticket, huh?"

#10. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I am the shift supervisor?"

#9. "Warning? You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

#8. "The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not: Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?"

#7. "Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy, and step in cow DOO."

#6. "Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets a toaster oven."

#5. "No, sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas, but now we're allowed to write as many tickets as we want."

#4. "Just how big were those two beers?"

#3. "In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC."

#2. "I'm glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail."

Monday, July 13, 2009

Someone once said, "You can do more than pray after you pray, but you can't do more than pray before you pray." In other words, you ought to put feet to your prayers and get going instead of waiting on an answer to drop in your lap; but the first thing you should do is pray! - Evangelist Wil Rice IV

...Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain

"My weakness is a perfect platform upon which God can show His power." - Evangelist Rick Flanders

"Humility is not thinking poorly of yourself; humility is not thinking of yourself at all."-Evangelist Troy Carlson

III. SIGNS OF TRUE SALVATION [v. 14-20]1. Your Decision May be Ignored by the World [v. 14-17]

2. Your Desire Should Be Toward Heavenly Things [v. 18]

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:Philippians 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good workHebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

I. THESE CAME TO JESUS IN FAITH [v. 2-15]1. The Miserable Worshipper [v. 2-4]

2. The Unlikely Believer [v. 5-13]

3. The Maligned Server [v. 14-17]

II. THESE CAME TO JESUS IN CONFUSION [v. 16-22]1. Confusion of His Purpose [v. 16-18]

2. Confusion of His Price [v. 19-20]

3. Confusion of His Priority [v. 21-22]

III. THESE CAME TO JESUS IN FOOLISHNESS (needless fear) [v. 18, 23-27]1. Living by Faith means trusting God in every Situation [2 Chronicles 19:9]

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

3. Living by Faith means trusting the God of the Word over the Situation of the World [Hebrews 11:27]

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

A: Why would someone ask this question? Let’s back up and look at this from a big picture. Consider what the Bible says about the voyage of the Ark:

The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. (Genesis 7:19–20)

People then look at the earth today and note that the highest mountain is Mt. Everest, which stands just over 29,000 feet above sea level. Then they put two and two together and say that Noah’s Ark floated at least 15 cubits above Mt. Everest—and at such high altitude, people need oxygen!

It sounds like a straightforward argument, doesn’t it? But did you notice that I emphasized the word today? In light of this, the solution is quite simple: the Flood did not happen on today’s earth, but rather on the earth of nearly 4,300 years ago (according to Ussher).

The world today is not the same as it was before the Flood, or even during the Flood. For instance, if the mountains, continents, and oceans basins of today’s earth were more leveled out (as would be expected in a global Flood), the planet’s surface water alone would cover the earth an estimated 1.66 miles deep—about 8,000 feet. Yet when I visited Cusco, Peru, which is around 11,000 feet above sea level, I didn’t need an oxygen tank.

Furthermore, atmospheric air pressure is relative to sea level. So as rising sea levels pushed the air column higher, the air pressure at sea level would stay the same.

Are you a young-earth creationist with a graduate degree in theology or biblical studies? Have you signed our “Affirmations and Denials” document from the book Coming to Grips with Genesis? If not, and you want to learn more, check this out!News to Note Quick Look

Mental evolution: Several species of chevrotains (mouse deer) hide from predators in the water. Does that prove evolution? Read more.

The content of a codex: The world’s oldest known Bible: should it disturb Christians? Read more.

Friday, July 10, 2009

YOU CAN BE CHANGED by renewing your mind! Paul wrote, “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Rom. 12:2). Jesus went up the mountain with Peter, James and John and was transfigured—the same word as transformed. Matthew wrote, “His face did shine as the sun” (Matt. 17:1–2).

Paul wrote, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Why should you renew your mind? “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so” (Rom. 8:7). The carnal mind (the natural mind) that we are born with needs to be renewed by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. We need to live by godly principles. I like to say, “A child of God will never become a man of God without the Word of God.”

O, dear people, set your eyes, soak your soul, saturate your mind with the Word of God. We must spend 30 minutes to an hour a day reading the Word of God in order to renew our minds. It is far more important to read God’s Word and to hear from heaven than to watch TV by the hour or devour the newspaper or curl up with a novel or feed on trashy magazines. How you spend your time makes a world of difference—an eternal difference. If you are not being transformed instead of just being informed by what you read and think about, you are cheating yourself. Doesn’t that make sense?

We are called to “set our affections on things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). The word affections is the Greek word phroneo, meaning “to think, to set the mind on.” The world talks about “meditation” and “contemplation,” but too often people just let their minds think about anything. You can be sure that the devil will let them think on dumb junk.

Prayer: Father, help your children to be transformed to be more like the Lord Jesus daily as they feast on the Word of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Quote for the Day: “Don’t give up. Moses was once a basket case!” —Author Unknown

We all need to keep our minds sharp, alert, and attentive to God because the devil is ready to place evil desires and thoughts in our minds. Spend time in the Word of God and in Prayer with Him so as to build a life long relationship.

For more by Sumner Wemp click on the link bearing his name in the upper left hand corner of this blog.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

1 To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.7 For the righteous LORD lovethrighteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

David knew the Lord. This made the difference in his life. David wasn't perfect and he knew it. The Lord is perfect and David knew that too!

David says, "I'm trusting the Lord- how can you tell my soul to flee to like a bird to your mountain?" Nehemiah knew this trust as well, "Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go."

If the foundations be destroyed... but wait, the foundations of faith can't be destroyed! That's David's point. So why are you worried and why aren't you trusting? God is in His Heavenly Holy Temple, He knows what is going on, He will deal with it, He will reward the righteous [those that by faith have received the righteousness of Christ] for living for Christ out of gratitude for what he did for them AND He will reward the wicked for the wicked unbelief and sin.

A week ago today my brother-in-law and brother in the Lord- Bruce Scott went to be with the Lord unexpectedly [from our point of view]. Ps. 11:7 says, "For the righteous LORD lovethrighteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright." For a week now Bruce has beheld the countenance of the Lord... oh what glory!

But just think of stepping on shore and finding it HeavenOf touching a hand and finding it God'sOf breathing new air and finding it CelestialOf waking up in Glory and finding it Home.--Don Wyrtzen

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

"Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life" (John 17:3). -1636 Rule#2 Harvard Student Handbook

"God is moved by our faith, not our work." - Evangelist Jim Cook

"Prevailing prayer is not a matter of changing God's mind; it is a matter of finding God's mind."-Evangelist Rick Flanders

"Whenever it's alright with you and God, it will be alright with you and others."-Evangelist Nathan McConnell

Someone asked me Sunday if I was one of the lucky ones going to Michael Jackson's Funeral. I said, "No, I'm one of the honored ones to have a part in Bruce Scott's Homegoing Service." They said, "You got that right!"

“This world is not my home. I’m just a-passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” —Author Unknown

Monday, July 06, 2009

A: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has captured national headlines. In the fall of 2007, the CDC (Center for Disease Control in Atlanta) reported that deaths due to MRSA were greater than those caused by AIDS. MRSA is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent and menacing diseases of our time and increases the risk of time spent in a hospital.

MRSA are bacteria that represent “new” strains of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Although the media discusses MRSA as a single new strain, in reality MRSA represents more than 1100 distinct strains of S. aureus. S. aureus causes many diseases, including skin boils, infection of leg ulcers, and pressure sores. Occasionally, it can cause more serious disorders such as blood poisoning (septicemia), pneumonia, or bone, joint, or heart valve infection. What makes MRSA bacteria deadly is their resistance to penicillin and its derivatives.

Methicillin is a penicillin derivative that was issued in clinics in most countries in 1959–60, but its use was discontinued after 1961 due to resistant strains appearing. Unfortunately, resistance has increased dramatically since 2000. These bacteria are now categorized as Hospital-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) depending upon the disease acquisition location.

Yet, we read in Genesis Chapter 1 that God made everything “very good.” If everything that God made was good, where did MRSA come from? What is the origin of this frightening germ? Where does MRSA or “Super Staph” fit in to the creation account? Were they created along with the rest of the life in the first week of Creation or were they created later—after the Fall? Is MRSA a result of the “Curse”? These and other questions have been asked by professional creation microbiologists. Their answers may surprise you.

Are you a young-earth creationist with a graduate degree in theology or biblical studies? Have you signed our “Affirmations and Denials” document from the book Coming to Grips with Genesis? If not, and you want to learn more, check this out!News to Note Quick Look

When do false dichotomies ever mesh?: In covering a visit by paleontologists to our Creation Museum, the New York Times spreads misunderstanding. Read more.

One blood, three sons: A new genetic study of 53 human populations shows that each falls into one of three genetic groups—yet that the three groups aren’t as different as was thought. The legacy of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Noah’s three sons), perhaps? Read more.

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When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3-4